Mr Marcel Ivanov

I required a spinal decompression procedure six months after a hip replacement. Following a thorough neurology work- up I was referred to Mr Ivanov, who met me face to face to discuss the spinal decompression procedure and the likelihood of success / failure. For several months before the operation I was housebound, unless in a wheelchair, and was unable to walk more than 20 feet unaided, unable to interact with my young grandchildren and accepting that I would have to attend my daughter’s wedding in a wheelchair. Within hours of the operation I was able to walk the full length of the hospital corridor. i refused opioid based medication and coped easily with paracetamol/ibuprofen. I was discharged the day after the operation and by day 14 I had reached my walking target of 10000 steps / day, needing only 2 paracetamol per day to alleviate the moderate pain from walking. . The wound healed quickly and by day 14 I showered without wearing a dressing. It is now 3 months since my operation. I have no pain in my leg whatsoever, walk 15000 steps per day and am back to the high level of physical activity I had before I became disabled. Mr Ivanov’s surgical expertise is self evident but the experience was made all the more positive because of his realistic but reassuring manner and the care he showed towards my life situation.

Mr Ivanov took me on following a number of consultations with other consultants who had provided insight into the operation I required. I found him to be a great listener, keen to understand both my symptoms and the impact they had on my life, he has a supreme confidence and huge knowledge and reassured me as to the required actions, I felt comfortable and clear as to what was required It is now 12 weeks post my surgery, an instrumented decompression with Tlift and I am able to walk long distances and exercise so comfortably that I have already been discharged from both physio and Mr Ivanov’s care My surgery took place at The Clairemont hospital on a Saturday. The whole surgery team, anaesthetist and nurses giving care on the day where great. The team looked after me really well and my wife was also looked after very kindly as the surgery ran on longer than planned as Mr Ivanov found my vertebrae to be more loose than expected. The surgical team and Mr Ivanov were brilliant. I did feel that the handover to a short staffed team of agency nurses for the overnight cover left gaps in care, I would recommend this be reviewed if aiming for 100% care for all. I have to summarise by thanking Mr Ivanov for his care and dedication, he is a true gentleman. We loved the way that he engaged with both myself and my wife to ensure everyone was clear as to the actions he would take. Thank you is not enough in words, I have been given another opportunity to enjoy life more fully than I felt was going to possible. I really appreciated Mr Ivanov’s professionalism.

Having read the previous reviews of this Surgeon I must concur absolutely with the plaudits and feelings for this man. As a person he has the ability to put one at ease by manner, patient interest and obvious expert knowledge of his speciality. His explanations of both the problem, the possible remedies and outcomes of those remedies are simple, clear and concise, allaying therefore the understandable dread in these situations. He, together with his team, produced exemplary work on me and as such I cannot but endorse, to the fullest, the previous recommendations. The operation was a Decompression of the L4/L5 and took two hours, of which I knew nothing, the result was immediate, from living a pain filled existence to one of zero pain has become something that I will forever be grateful, and Mr Ivanov and his team have my everlasting gratitude. How could I not recommend this Surgeon?

I had a posteria cervical laminectomy with instrumentation under Mr Marcel Ivanov in June 2018 this is the second time I have had surgery under him my first operation was a lumbar spinal fusion both of which have been very successful, iam 5 weeks post op now and iam doing very well. Mr Ivanov treat me with a great deal of respect, he listens to my worries and explained everything to me very clearly, I cannot thank him enough for all he has done to help me and would recommend him 100 percent to anyone.

When I first met Mr ivanov I had to use a wheelchair because the pain was so bad I couldn't walk.he put me and my family at ease straight away and listened to every thing we had to say,he checked me over and knew exactly what I needed to be mended.he ordered all my treatment and was the one who operated on me which made me more relaxed about the operation because he was so confident.he spoke to me before the operation and after.from the moment I came around in the recovery room the pain had gone.I'm now well enough to go back to work on light duty,I thought this would never happen again,Mr ivanov has given me my life back and we're so greatfull to him. I would very highly recommend Mr ivanov to anyone.thank-you from the bottom of our hearts xx

Very welcoming and easy to talk to and instilled total confidence in his abilities within a few minutes of our first consultation. We had a long list of questions to ask him about my tumour but he answered them all before we got the list out. Explained the options and the procedure very carefully. I still can't believe I had a major operation on my spine only 8 weeks ago to remove a tumour. At no time since have I been in any pain; just slight discomfort which has been easily controlled. The level of skill/ technical ability shown by Mr Ivanov and his team leaves me breathless with admiration. I shall be forever indebted to Mr Ivanov, his Neurosurgery team and all the staff at the Hallamshire Hospital K and N Wards and of course the NHS which made it all possible.

I was highly impressed by the care and treatment provided by Mr Ivanov who through his skill and dedication has restored my health and improved the quality of my life. I would highly recommend him and the staff at Claremont to any patients with a similar condition namely decompression of L4 which was treated on 10/8/15. May Fletcher

From the first consultation with Dr.Ivanov I was put at ease by his professionalism, he told me in detail about the procedures that were needed to be gone through. He talked direct to me and listened to my questions with eye contact all through the consultation and it gave me complete confidence in his expertise and assessment.

I was referred to MR Ivanov after seeing two previous specialists. He spent time listening to me. He went to great lengths to detail the risks associated with the procedure he recommended that I should have. His manner and style gave me confidence in his abilities. Though my operation didn't go entirely to plan, he took his time to explain what had happened and saw me on each of the days I was in hospital. The operation had been a complete success and his efforts have given me my life back. The post operative care from Mr Ivanov had been equally reassuring and comprehensive. Thank you MR Ivanov!

For 6 months I had severe pain in my right buttock and leg after being involved in a car accident. I needed to see a Neurosurgeon. I researched the Neurosurgeons who operate at both Claremont and Thornbury hospitals at great length. I chose Mr Ivanov. The first time I met him when he shook my hand I realised I had chosen wisely. Mr Ivanov just oozes everything you want from a Neurosurgeon from his knowledge and expertise to his charming, friendly, caring manner. At first consultation Mr Ivanov examined me and explained in detail what might be wrong with my back and arranged a MRI scan of my lower spine. After the MRI scan I met Mr Ivanov again when he reviewed the scan with me explaining in great detail what the scan showed and what was causing my symptoms. Mr Ivanov went on to explain all my options including surgery. After electing to undergo surgery I met with Mr Ivanov again when he discussed in great detail how and why the procedure he was going to carry out together with the associated risks involved, implications and outcomes. On the morning of admission to the Claremont Hospital, Mr Ivanov visited me to make sure I was ok and that I fully understood what he was going to do. Mr Ivanov visited me after surgery to see if I was ok and explained what he had done. Mr Ivanov visited me again that same evening to see I was ok. The following morning Mr Ivanov visited me to check I was ok to go home and gave me certain instructions of what and not to do. I was discharged later that day. I have seen Mr Ivanov again 6 weeks after surgery and I am recovering well. He is pleased. Mr Ivanov is the most amazing Neurosurgeon and person one could meet. If you require a Neurosurgeon look no further - he is brilliant and he cares. Michael Davies (michaeldavies01@btinternet.com)